Feather waste bioremediation

Microbial keratinase mediated biodegradation of keratin rich wastes such as chicken feathers, nails, hairs and wool, is an environment friendly biotechnological process, which converts this abundant waste into low-cost, nutrient-rich animal feed. Keratinase mediated hydrolysis of feather meal/raw feather significantly enhances the level of essential amino acids in the product. Optimization of various physical and nutritional parameters showed that maximum protease production of 4250 U/l from Bacillus S-2 strain occurred in 36 h at pH 7, temperature 37 ºC, agitation rate 200 rpm, in a medium having lactose as carbon source, proteose peptone as nitrogen source and 1 % feather meal as inducer. The isolated enzyme efficiently degraded raw feathers to soluble form in 48 h of incubation at 37 ºC and 150 rpm. The enzyme has the potential for application in the manufacturing of organic manure and production of nutrient rich animal feed. The enzyme was compatible with detergents and removed stains of blood, egg white and coffee more efficiently than the detergent alone, so can also be used as a detergent aid.